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Greetings!
August is here, and with it comes several important events and updates in District 3.
As the anniversary of September 11 nears, I am honored to be the keynote speaker at this year's remembrance ceremony. I hope you will join us at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial that day as we honor the lives lost in 2001. You can find more details about the event below.
I also want to call your attention again to my effort to honor Gwinnett's centenarian veterans this Veterans Day. If you know a veteran in our community who is 100 years of age or older, I want to hear from you. Please continue reading below for details on the information I am seeking and how these remarkable individuals will be recognized.
Finally, for those of you who live, work, or drive through Snellville, the City of Snellville is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss traffic conditions in the area — specifically at the intersection of Crestview Drive and Highway 78/Athens Highway. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30pm in the Snellville City Hall Community Room at 2342 Oak Road. I encourage you to attend and make your voice heard.
Keep reading below for all the news and events for District 3 and Gwinnett.
| | Happening Around Gwinnett | | |
County to host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Join us for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11 at 10:00am as we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Commissioner Jasper Watkins III, who assisted in the placement of wounded personnel during the attacks on the Pentagon that day. All are welcome as we gather to remember, reflect, and honor those who serve.
The ceremony will be held at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
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High school calendar art contest ends September 30
Gwinnett County high school students can submit original artwork for the Drops of Color Calendar Art Contest with Gwinnett Water Resources! Selected artwork will be featured in the 2027 Drops of Color calendar, with one of the pieces appearing on the cover. The artwork must highlight the importance of safe, clean, reliable water and environmental stewardship in Gwinnett County. The focus is on tap or natural water in our local lakes, rivers, and streams, not ocean water or bottled water.
For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com/DropsOfColor. The application closes Wednesday, September 30 at 4:00pm.
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Beautify your front yard with a native tree
The Front Yard Tree Program returns for the fall planting season! Qualifying homeowners in unincorporated Gwinnett can apply to have a native tree planted in their front yard. Funded by the Gwinnett County Tree Bank, the program includes the tree, planting, and care instructions at no cost to homeowners. Applications are open Tuesday, August 11 through Friday, September 18. To learn more and apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com/FrontYardTree.
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Join the fun at the Public Safety Fall Festival
Gwinnett’s annual Public Safety Fall Festival is returning to Gwinnett Field (formerly Coolray Field) on Saturday, September 12. Come out to this free event from 11:00am to 3:00pm to meet our first responders and enjoy food, giveaways, demonstrations, and displays. Kids can also enjoy a touch-a-truck with a SWAT personnel carrier, fire trucks, and other specialized vehicles.
Email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com for more information. Gwinnett Field is located at 2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville.
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Learn more about the Harbins-Alcovy Small Area Plan
How do you envision the Harbins-Alcovy area? We want to hear from you! Join us for a charette at Dacula High School on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00am to noon.
If you live, work, or visit the area, your input is vital to thoughtfully balancing future development with the preservation of the community's rural character and agricultural heritage. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/HarbinsAlcovy for more information.
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Celebrating Gwinnett's centenarian veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Commissioner Watkins would like to celebrate and honor Gwinnett's centenarian veterans — those 100 years old or older — by displaying commemorative pole flags outside the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Each flag will feature the veteran's photo, name, rank, branch of service, and the conflict.
If you know a qualifying veteran, please share their contact information (or that of their caregiver or representative), including mailing address, phone number, and email. Please email the requested information to Neshanta.Banks@GwinnettCounty.com no later than Tuesday, September 1.
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Pedestrian improvements coming to Brushy Fork Road
As part of the County's ongoing efforts to improve walkability and safety, new concrete sidewalks will be installed along the east side of Brushy Fork Road from Rozena Place to Lilly Brook Drive. The project will also install curb and gutter and drainage improvements within the project limits.
Funded by the 2017 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program, this project is designed to create safer routes for pedestrians, connect key destinations, and support long‑term community growth. Learn more about how your pennies work in Gwinnett at GwinnettSPLOST.com.
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Host a project for Great Days of Service
Save the date! Gwinnett’s Great Days of Service is returning from October 16 to October 18. Does your organization need a helping hand? This annual volunteer weekend is your opportunity to engage thousands of dedicated volunteers to support community needs this fall.
If you’re interested in hosting a service project, apply by Friday, September 11. Approved projects will be posted for volunteer sign-up in September in preparation for the Gwinnett Great Days of Service weekend. To learn more, visit GwinnettCounty.com/GreatDays today!
| | Special Events and Happenings | | |
Metro Makers Market
Saturday, August 15 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Discover the best of local indie brands at Metro Makers Market! Join us for a day of shopping, music, food, and fun for all ages. Explore unique products and services from Metro-area vendors while enjoying activities, delicious bites, and a lively community atmosphere. Open to all ages. Register online. Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. Event cost: Free!
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Friday, August 21 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Experience the thrill of adventure, exploration, and the great outdoors with a special showing of the Banff Mountain Film Festival Mini Films. This curated collection of short films showcases breathtaking landscapes, daring feats, and inspiring stories from around the world. Light refreshments will be provided. Open to ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
Food Truck Frenzy
Saturday, August 29 from 11:30am to 3:30pm
Celebrate the first month of school and treat your family to a picnic in the park! Enjoy lawn games, family activities, and tasty offerings from a variety of food trucks. Bring some chairs, blankets, or enjoy one of our lovely pavilions. Open to all ages. Register online. Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free entry
| | Commissioner Watkins in the Community | | I was glad to see so many residents turn out for the Harbins-Alcovy Small Area Plan open house in July. District 3 is known as the "Preservation District" because it's home to some of Gwinnett's last remaining rural landscapes. The input will help shape how we balance future growth with the rural character and agricultural heritage that make this area so special. There is one more in-person meeting on August 29 — details are above. | | It was an honor to address the Gwinnett Youth Commission graduates at their recent ceremony. These young people spent a month behind the scenes of their county government, and the knowledge and civic spirit they leave with is truly something to be proud of. Gwinnett's future is bright because of them, and I can't wait to see what they do next. | | |
It was a proud night for Gwinnett, and an honor to address our newest firefighters and newly promoted officers at their ceremony at the end of July.
I left that room with full confidence in all the individuals protecting our community every day. To all of you — stay safe out there, and know that District 3 has your back.
| | Updates from the District 3 Boards | | |
Congratulations to all the new board appointees for District 3. We appreciate your time and service to Gwinnett County Government and your fellow residents.
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Anita Atkinson - Stormwater Authority
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Brandon Coleman - Sustainability Commission
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Charles Mandrell Moore - Homelessness Task Force
There is also an opening for the Gwinnett Historical Restoration & Preservation Board. For more information about terms, meetings, and qualifications, visit GwinnettCounty.com. Applications are due Friday, August 21.
Instructions to Apply:
- Visit GwinnettCounty.com/ApplyToServe.
- Select District 3 from the "Send Application to" dropdown.
- Select the committee you wish to join from the "Select a Board/Authority/Committee" dropdown.
- Scroll down and click "Start Application."
- Create a username or log in to your account.
- Complete the application.
If you have any questions about District 3 Zoning, please contact the District 3 Planning Commissioners.
Ben Archer, Ben.Archer@GwinnettCounty.com and Nikki Withrow, Nikki.Withrow@GwinnettCounty.com
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